Even as he engages in a contentious race for the 22nd Congressional District seat, Democratic Assemblyman Anthony Brindisi says he hopes to bring a bipartisan spirit of cooperation with him to Congress.

"I am someone who listens to both sides of an issue before reacting and making a decision," said Brindisi, 39. "I am someone who reaches out to both Democrats and Republicans to try and find compromise and get things done."

Brindisi, a Utica native, has been locked in a heated, closely watched race for the Congressional seat with incumbent Republican Rep. Claudia Tenney.

In 2018, Brindisi voted in favor of establishing the New York Health Plan, prohibiting convicted domestic abusers from purchasing firearms, and for certain marijuana convictions to be sealed.

"We've got lots of major issues we have to work on in this country," Brindisi said. "But number one is trying to find some way to bring people together so we can tackle issues like health care, immigration, jobs, the economy, you name it — we've got to work together."

Brindisi is married to Erica McGovern Brindisi, and has two children, Lily Grace and Anthony Jr. Brindisi graduated from Notre Dame High School in Utica in 1992, then attended Mohawk Valley Community College and graduated from Siena College in 2000 and Albany Law School in 2004.

He was elected to the Assembly in 2011.

CLOSE

How to register to vote in the general election.
Natasha Vaughn /Staff Video

The issues

Health care: Brindisi has said he supports the Affordable Care Act. He hopes to be able to change the existing system so every citizen has access to affordable health care.

Economy: Brindisi said he wants to help improve the economy by strengthening the middle class. Some of the areas he wants to focus on are in manufacturing, technology, small-business creation, agriculture and education.

Immigration: Brindisi has said he supports having more border security.

The Second Amendment: Brindisi supports universal gun background checks to be had across the country for gun ownership. He voted against New York's SAFE Act.

Education: Brindisi was a member of the Utica City Board of Education. He said he will fight any attempt to privatize the public education system, and wants to help schools and teachers have access to the resources they need.

Reproductive rights: Brindisi said he is against cuts to Planned Parenthood. He says he "will fight any de-funding of the important programs they sponsor."

On his opponent

"There's so much that's untrue," Brindisi said. "I think first and foremost, my opponent trying to tie me to figures like Governr (Andrew) Cuomo, or (U.S. Rep.) Nancy Pelosi, or (disgraced former state Assembly Speaker) Sheldon Silver is outrageous. I've taken on Governor Cuomo on many issues. I did not vote for the SAFE Act. I've said numerous times I'm not supporting Nancy Pelosi when elected to Congress, but that hasn't stopped my opponent from putting her in commercials with me."

Brindisi said in the past he has not supported some of Cuomo's education reforms.

"I think my opponent is much more on the extreme side of things, and someone who has not showed up to listen to voters, and in many cases votes directly against their interests in favor of the special-interest groups that fund her campaign," Brindisi said.

Campaign finances

Brindisi's campaign has raised about $1,934,672 in this election. The Center for Responsive Politics reports that his campaign has spent $504,813 and has about $1,429,000 cash on hand as of June 30.

The general election is Nov. 6. Polls will be open from 6 a.m. to 9 p.m.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.

CLOSE

Get to know the candidates of New York's 22nd Congressional District.
Natasha Vaughn /Staff Video